137 homes and infrastructure at 17 Quilstyle Road, Wheatley Hill

“14 two-bedroom bungalows; • 14 two-bedroom houses; • 80 three-bedroom houses; and • 29 four-bedroom houses.”

“7 Discount Market Sale units; and • 7 Affordable Rent units.”

“The application site comprises an agricultural field measuring a total of 6.04 hectares (ha) in area, adjoining the northwestern edge of the settlement of Wheatley Hill. To the north of the site lies agricultural land which is currently subject to a woodland plantation proposal. To the west lies allotments and a football pitch, beyond which agricultural fields are located.”

“The site features a notable gradient from the existing dwellings along Quilstyle Road on the northern site boundary falling down to the southern edge of the site. The site is currently in an agricultural use as an open arable field, a number of semi mature trees and hedgerows enclose the site. Agricultural vehicular accesses are provided in the south west, north west and north east corners of the site.”

“There is no relevant planning history to the site.”

“The site is not allocated for housing in the County Durham Plan, and is in the open countryside. However, officers note that the site is in a sustainable location, which is well related to the settlement of Wheatley Hill. Subject to detailed design considerations it is considered that the principle of developing this site for housing is acceptable in accordance with Policies 6, 10 and 21 of the County Durham Plan.”

“In respect of identified harms, the proposal would lead to an impact on the visual amenity of the landscape at a local level, and lead to an increase in traffic on the local road network, and lead to the loss of a well-established hedgerow along Quilstyle Road which is of amenity value.”

“Highways Authority – Advise that following receipt of amended plans, they make no objection to this application, subject to recommended conditions.”

“Drainage & Coastal Protection (Lead Local Flood Authority) – Advise that following receipt of amended plans, they make no objection to the application, subject to the received Drainage Strategy and engineering plans being secured by condition as approved documents.”

“Capacity of schools • Capacity of GP surgeries • Capacity of dentists • Capacity of sewer network • Increased flood risk • No solar panels proposed • Impact on amenity of neighbouring residents • Noise, dust and disruption during the construction period • Impact on biodiversity and protected species • Coalescence between Wheatley Hill and Thornley, and subsequent impact on character of both villages • Cumulative impacts of this proposal and other nearby housing sites in…”

“Impact on amenity of neighbouring properties • Impact on trees • Visual impact within the wider landscape, and visibility of the site from public footpaths • Increase in anti-social behaviour • Capacity of local road network • Proposed access onto Quilstyle Road is unsafe • Increased traffic from the development is unsafe • Noise, dust and disruption during the construction period • Noise and disturbance once the dwellings are occupied • Impact on animals kept at adjacent…”

“Councillor Bellingham referred to the highway issues which had been raised previously and the concerns which remained about the amount of traffic at the A181 junction which was a main route between the east coast and Durham City. She accepted that the harm from this development was considered to be limited but asked for consideration to be given to the existing issues if problems worsened.”

“The Planning Manager advised that following the deferral in September he met with the Strategic Traffic Manager and Local Member and this meeting was detailed in the report. The amount of increased traffic arising from the development was not sufficient to justify improvements from the Developer, however Highways Officers were aware of the issues and were committed to monitor and review this junction, with regards to future housing development and the Local Transport Plan.”

“That the application be APPROVED subject to the conditions outlined in the report and completion of an agreement under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) to secure:”

“10% of Affordable housing on-site comprising 7 Discounted Sale and 7 Affordable Rent units; • £176,770 contribution toward increasing Nursery / Early Years capacity • £437,616 contribution toward increasing capacity at Wellfield School; • £117,572 contribution toward increasing capacity at SEND schools across the County; • £66,171 contribution toward increasing NHS GP surgery capacity; • £202,842.20 contribution toward improving public open spaces; • and Biodiversity Net…”